ES2333205T3 - PROTECTED STRUCTURE FOR RADIOLOGICAL TREATMENT EQUIPMENT AND ASSEMBLY METHOD. - Google Patents

Abstract

A modularized approach for rapidly and cost effectively assembling a structure suitable for housing radiation emitting equipment is disclosed. The modules include reinforced walls to contain radiation shielding fill material. The modules are transported empty and then filled on site with the fill material to form a radiation shielding barrier around radiation emitting equipment.

Description

Protected structure for treatment equipment radiological and assembly method.

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to structures and parts thereof for housing sources radiation and protection of human beings working near those sources. More particularly but not exclusively the The present invention relates to a structure and method for build a structure for housing a radiation source therapy.

Description of the related technique

Radiation is used for diagnosis and Treatment of patients in several ways. However, while that controller doses can be helpful for a patient, those who work with radiation or simply in the surrounding area have to be protected against the effects Harmful of radiation. Therefore, the assembly is traditionally provided to isolate the radiation source of those that are in the surrounding area and provide some protection from the levels associated with normal use of the equipment and also, to some extent, against accidents with The radiation equipment

However, the need for protection, which is generally provided by concrete walls or mounds of land, seriously limits the viability of treatment centers of radiation in many places. This limitation is due at least partly to the high construction costs of these buildings and the inability to easily disassemble or remodel centers to now house the development of structures and land surrounding. Therefore, devices and techniques are needed new to quickly and economically build centers of radiological treatment to allow facilities that are located everywhere where the needs of the patients require facilities of this type. Various embodiments of the present invention pursue these and other needs.

US-A-5727353 describes a portable independent diagnostic structure doctor, and US-A-5735639 describes a mobile security structure comprising multiple modules Loadable loadable connectable to each other, comprising modules each a support framework structure and at least one reinforced rigid wall mounted on it. No invention pursues the problem of radiation protection.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a structure new that can be partially assembled in one place, transported to a site, and then be completely assembled in a structure suitable for housing a radiation source therapeutic and treatment of patients with it. The structure may include means for containing a filler material of radiation to provide a barrier around and on a central treatment area that includes a piece of equipment radiation and structure includes means to allow selectively access to the treatment area. The means of access they can include a protected door with a retractable threshold that retracts after opening the door and increases when the door is closed to restrict radiation from escaping through the entry. The structure can also be adapted to allow the radiation equipment is removed and replaced after the barrier be constructed, without eliminating any substantial part of the barrier.

In one embodiment, a modular structure for housing a radiation source that it comprises a plurality of loose transportable modules for form a central treatment area and a surrounding barrier substantially the central treatment area, adapted the area of central treatment for human occupation and to contain a source of therapeutic radiation, the modules comprising a support frame structure and at least one wall, including the barrier first and second rigid walls spaced some of others and a quantity of protective filler material radiological content between the first and second walls, enough the amount of filler material to reduce substantially the level of measurable radiation outside the central treatment area when a radiation source is placed in the central treatment area. In different refinements at least two of the modules include parts of the first and second rigid walls distanced from each other, the parts defining a channel comprising a part of the barrier where the channels in the at least two modules are adjacent and substantially aligned. Adjacent channels they are in fluid communication so that the filling material of  Radiation protection provided in a channel can flow to the channel adjacent. The modular structure includes a second plurality of loose transportable modules connected to form a barrier of the roof over the central treatment area, comprising the roof barrier a rigid floor that supports a quantity of Radiation protection filler material over the area of central treatment The second plurality of modules includes parts over the barrier formed by the first plurality of modules, the parts being on the barrier in fluid communication with the barrier and including a quantity of filling material of radiation protection The parts of the plurality of modules define an area outside the central treatment area and the barrier, the outer area being adapted to form spaces suitable for human occupation. The first and the second plurality of modules each has a length that does not exceed approximately 16.2 meters (53 feet), a width that does not exceed approximately 4.3 meters (14 feet), and a height not exceeding approximately 4.1 meters (13 feet 6 inches). Each of the modules has an axis of great importance defined throughout its length where the most important axes of the first plurality of modules are substantially parallel to each other and most axes important of the second plurality of modules are substantially parallel to each other.

A new method is also described for build a structure for accommodation from a source of radiation. The method includes the formation of a treatment area central sized and configured for human occupation and for contain a source of therapeutic radiation, which connects a plurality of loose transportable modules to form a zone of barrier that substantially surrounds the treatment area central, defined the barrier zone by at least first and second rigid walls spaced apart from each other comprising parts of the plurality of modules, which provides a quantity of Radiation protection filler material to the barrier zone to form a barrier that substantially surrounds the area of central treatment, sufficient the amount of filler material to substantially reduce the measurable level of radiation in the outside the central treatment area when a source of Radiation is placed in the central treatment area. In different refinements the method also includes the location of parts of at least two of the plurality of modules that form the barrier zone in fluid communication so that the material of Radiation protection padding can flow between the parts, connecting a second plurality of transportable loose modules to the first plurality to form a roof barrier zone over the central treatment area, providing a quantity of Radiation protection filler material to the barrier zone of the roof to form a roof barrier over the area of central treatment, and positioning a part of the barrier of the roof in fluid communication with the barrier so that the filler material provided with radiation protection in the roof barrier can flow to the barrier. A part of the area of barrier is formed with walls that include rigid elements of reinforcement in the walls and rigid support elements mounted Between the walls In other additional refinements the plurality of modules has a longer side and a shorter side, and the structure is formed by connecting the long side of one of the plurality of modules along the other side of the plurality of modules to form the central treatment area. Access to human is provided to the central treatment area from an area external to the barrier through a door in one of the modules

A new device is also provided for form a radiation treatment center comprising a plurality of loose modules each comprising a frame of support and at least two rigid walls spaced apart from each other that define a channel between the walls, the modules having each external dimensions that generally define a solid rectangle which has a major axis, where the modules are adapted to be connected to each other to form a surrounding barrier zone substantially a central treatment area, comprising the barrier zone the channels of the modules and where the channels of at least two of the modules are in fluid communication so that the radiological protection filler material provided in a channel can flow to the adjacent channel, and a second plurality of loose modules of which at least one comprises a floor part  reinforced, the second plurality of modules being adapted to be placed on top and connected to the first plurality of modules with reinforced soil parts over the treatment area central and covering it substantially, having the second plurality of modules parts that would be aligned on the zone of barrier and in fluid communication with it so that the radiological filler material provided in the second plurality of modules could flow to the barrier zone.

A module has also been provided transportable again to form a structure comprising a loose transportable frame structure that defines a surface lower, an upper surface and at least first and second lateral surfaces spaced from each other, a pair of walls reinforced rigid spaced apart from each other mounted on the frame and that define a channel space between the walls, supports rigid mounted in the channel space between the walls to resist lateral forces acting from within the channel to forcefully separate the walls, where a substantial part of the Channel space between the walls does not contain a roof or floor so that the channel space is open in its part upper and lower so that the granular filling material can be provided in the channel space from above the upper surface and completely fill the channel space, and where the module is capable of being elevated at its ends by a Standard container ship without substantial deflection to facilitate the construction of a structure that comprises a plurality of modules

A transportable module is also provided. to form a structure comprising a framework structure loose transportable that defines a lower surface, a upper surface and at least a first and second surfaces sides spaced apart from each other, a pair of rigid walls reinforced distanced from each other, mounted on the frame and that define a channel space between the walls, mounted the rigid supports in the channel space between the walls to resist the lateral forces acting from inside the channel to force the walls apart, where a part substantial channel space between the walls does not contain a roof or floor so that the channel space is open in its top and bottom so that the filling material granular can be provided in the channel space from above the upper surface and completely fill the space of the channel, and where the module is capable of being elevated at its ends by a standard container ship without substantial deflection for facilitate the construction of a structure comprising a plurality of modules.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a modular assembled structure according to an embodiment of the present invention

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view on partial section of the modular structure of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the first floor level of the structure of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the second floor level of the structure of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a top plan view of a first compartment in the embodiment of Figs. 3 and Four.

Fig. 5A is a side elevation view in full section of the compartment of Fig. 5.

Fig. 5B is an elongated partial plan view of the upper plane in full section of the segments of the adjacent walls and a wall bracket.

Fig. 6 is a top plan view of a second compartment of the embodiment of Figs. 3 and Four.

Fig. 6A is a side elevation view in full section of the compartment of Fig. 6.

Fig. 6B is a top plan view in full section of the compartment of Fig. 6.

Fig. 7 is a side elevational view in section complete with a third compartment of the embodiment of Figs. 3 and 4.

Fig. 8 is a top plan view of a sixth, second floor compartment of Fig. 4.

Fig. 8A is a side elevation view in full section of the compartment of Fig. 8.

Fig. 8B is a view of the elevation end in full section of the compartment of Fig. 8.

Fig. 9 is a top plan view of a ninth, second floor compartment.

Fig. 9A is a top view of the end in full section of the compartment of Fig. 9.

Fig. 10 is a top plan view in full section of an alternative provision for a third compartment in the embodiment of Figs. 3 and 4.

Fig. 11 is a side elevation view in full section of the compartment of Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a top plan view of a alternative arrangement for a ninth roof compartment in the embodiments of Figs. 3 and 4.

Fig. 13 is a side elevational view in full section of the compartment of Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a front view from the top of the lifting mechanism for the retractable threshold.

Fig. 14A is a side elevation view in full section of the threshold of Fig. 14 in the enlarged position adjacent to the closed armored door.

Fig. 15A is a view of the elevation end in partial section of a representative connection between the rails bottoms that form the long sides of the compartments adjacent.

Fig. 15B is a top plan view in partial section of a representation connection between the posts angles of adjacent compartments.

Fig. 15C is a top plan view in partial section of a representative connection between the segments of the inner wall of adjacent compartments.

Fig. 15D is a view of the elevation end in partial section of an upper rail connection between the adjacent compartments.

Fig. 15E is a top plan view in partial section of a compartment connection adjacent to a part of the gusset of the door of a compartment.

Fig. 15F is a side elevation view in partial section of a representative connection between one end of a ceiling compartment with the outer wall and frame of a site compartment.

Fig. 15G is a side view from above in partial section of a representative connection of the beams of load support in the roof compartments with the roof support structures in the compartments of the site.

Description of the preferred embodiment

For the purposes of driving an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and the specific language to describe it. However, it will be understood that there is no intention in this to limit the scope of the invention, changes of this type and additional modifications in the methods and structures illustrated and such applications Additional principles of the invention are as illustrated therein are contemplated as you would normally one skilled in the art to which the invention is directed.

Returning now to Figs. 1 and 2, is represented the structure 40 for housing of the equipment therapeutic radiation Structure 40 is a modular unit that is assembled to form a radiation therapy vault 50, and can be delivered to a site in sections with all the equipment and finished in place. Individual sections 101-110, here designated as compartments or modules, are preferably each capable of being sent by railway, ship, or overland by freight train and being assembled using normally available equipment such as cranes or container ship. In addition, the compartments are built preferably to meet the rules of the Department of American Transportation (US) in regards to transportation in Interstate highways. Currently, the DOT code includes a weight limitation of 38.6 metric tons (85,000 pounds) including the tractor and trailer along with the limitations of size of a width not exceeding 4.3 meters (14 feet), one height not exceeding 4.1 meters (13 feet 6 inches), and a length not exceeding 16.2 meters (53 feet).

Referring now to Figs 1-4, as assembled, modular structure 40 includes a total of ten compartments and has two or more cameras interiors A camera 50 is adapted to contain capable equipment of being used to perform radiological therapy, and the other chamber 60 is adapted to be used as a control area suitable for use by a radiation therapist who manages the contained equipment in camera 50. Well camera 50 and / or camera 60 can be additionally divided into additional cameras, for example, to provide a waiting area for patients or areas of multiple treatment The modular unit 40 also has a series of inner and adjacent containers that can be refilled of radiation protection material to form a barrier 70 around treatment area 50 and a roof barrier 80 over the treatment area 50. The protective material Radiological may be a fluid and / or granular material such as sand.

Five compartments (compartments 101-105 designated site compartments) are used to form the site of building 40 (see Fig 3). Some five additional compartments, (compartments 106-110, designated roof compartments) are placed on top and perpendicular to the five compartments of the site (see Fig. 4). Of the five roof compartments, four compartments (compartments 106-109, designated "roof protection compartments") grant protection additional radiological direction in the vertical direction by means of the roof barrier 80, while compartment 110 is used Mainly as a storage area.

Compartments 102, 103, and 104 connect with each other to form the interior work area or chamber Therapeutic 50. These compartments line up to form a continuous unobstructed space, for example a space that measures approximately 24 feet wide and 20 feet long. He compartment 103 serves as the central compartment of the site, which It contains most of the medical equipment, and has connections fast for electric power and a mounting platform for the 600 medical equipment. A tight seal can be incorporated into the along the joints between all the compartments of the site too.

The compartment 101 is fixed to the outer side of compartment 102, and compartment 105 is fixed to the side outside of compartment 104. These two compartments (compartment 101 and compartment 105), together with parts of the compartments 102-104, receive the material from Radiation protection to form barrier 70. Barrier 70 is extends substantially around all sides of the chamber 50, including compartment 102 an entry to allow access to the treatment chamber 50. The compartments that protect the roof (compartments 106-109) are placed above and connected to the five compartments of the site, at least compartments 101 and 105 including structures of ceiling mount 120,122 to support the load of roof compartments The 106-109 compartments are used for radiation protection purposes while the compartment 110 can be reserved to house the equipment electrical, telephone equipment and other utilities.

For the assembly, a suitable base is first created, such as a concrete slab. The base is then leveled and the first of the site compartments, for example compartment 103, is placed on the base and anchored thereto. The remaining compartments of the site are then placed consecutively and fixed to their (s)
respective compartment (s) adjacent to the base and a tight seal is formed between the adjacent compartments and the base. A part of the radiation protection material is then pumped into the containers of the different compartments of the site to form the barrier 70.

Well before or after filling the containers of the different compartments of the site with the radiation protection material, the roof compartments can be placed on the five compartments of the site and fixed to them. A tight seal can then be made between the compartments of the site and the roof compartments as well as between the compartments of the site. The modular structure 40 can then be filled with protective material. The electrical and wastewater are then connected to the modular unit. By providing the structure 40 as a modular unit, the assembly time from the arrival of the assemblies in situ to the final structure 40 can be minimized. It is anticipated that the formation of the structure 40 would only take a few (3-4) days, decreasing largely the time and cost generally necessary to build a radiological treatment facility.

Having described the general design of the compartments and structure formation, features more Particular individual compartments are considered. Each of the compartments can usually be built with an external dimension equal to a transport container standard 2.4 m by 12.2 m (eight by forty feet) high extended (2.9 m / 9'6``). The compartments are transportable, what which means that each one meets DOT standards and codes to ground transportation. Optionally, each one can also be rigidly built to be able to be elevated from extreme points by a container ship. These can also be formed to have a height of five stacked compartments, for example during the transit of a ship entering the ocean. The compartments can also be built to be sent and stacked with other types of containers that have a gross weight of 43.5 metric tons (96,000 pounds) each. The weight of transport of each compartment, including any protection additional or support structures or other integrated components, but without the radiological protection filler material, it is in most preferable manner with DOT transport regulations for transport by truck without special permission.

More particularly, each of the compartments is constructed from a frame or skeleton outer steel 90 (see Fig. 5) that generally defines the outer edges of the compartment. The frame 90 is preferably formed of square channel and welded flat steel plate, bolted, or otherwise secured with each other to form the boundaries of the generally solid rectangular shape of the compartment The "C" shaped beams 92 form the sides lower lengths of the rectangular site of each compartment, with angled rails 96 that form the upper edges. Poles rectangular 94 form the four lateral edges between the upper 96 and lower 92 rails. Where they are present, the segments of the wall are secured inside the skeleton or frame 90 (for example, by welding or rivets) with any wall or floor segments intended to contain the material Radiological filling made of flat steel sheets. Others segments of wall, floor, or ceiling can be mounted on the frame and formed of any suitable building material. Where a segment of wall, floor, or ceiling is not present in no individual compartment or is support construction without load, the structural rigidity of the compartment can be increased at the desired level providing rigid support elements between the segments of the frame 90.

Returning now to Fig. 5, the compartment 101 is built in two areas, a fill area 210 and an area terminable 212. Fill area 210 forms a part of the barrier 70 and does not contain a floor so that the material Radiological barrier provided in area 210 may be substantially continuous to the base. Area 210 also has no ceiling. The terminable area 212 has no side wall along the section that joins compartment 102, but can be provided a floor. The interior of area 212 may be suitable for the interior finish of the floors, wall and ceiling for Turn it into an area for patients.

The filling area 210 is defined by walls exterior and interior verticals arranged opposite 214 and 216 and side walls 215 and 217. Optionally, the inner wall 216 is at least partially absent in the part that joins the barrier zones of compartment 102 to allow the Filler material flows between the areas adjacent to the barrier. Each of the walls are rigid and can be reinforced to contain the load of radiological filling material without deflection substantial. Each of the walls is constructed of steel panel flat and has a plurality of vertically oriented supports 202 soldiers or otherwise attached to it at intervals distanced along the length of the wall. Where is required more than one wall panel 510 to extend the length of a wall, the supports 202 can also be used to connect adjacent panels of the wall material. (see Fig. 5B). The brackets are elongated pieces with a cross section in shape of "L" in cross section having a flat part 202b welded or riveted to adjacent 510 steel wall sections and a second flat part 202a generally perpendicular to the 510 wall panels. The perpendicular parts of the brackets 202 that extend are narrowed so that they are thicker at the bottom of the walls where it can be provided that the lateral force of the filling material is the greatest. (see Fig. 5A)

For additional lateral support in the area of radiological filling, rigid supports are also fixed horizontal 204 generally between the upper parts (204a in Fig. 5A) and the lower parts (204b) of the walls, or of shape equivalent directly to the framework structure 90. The supports of 204 steel extend between walls 216 and 214 and at angles between wall 215 and walls 216 and 214 and between wall 217 and walls 214 and 216.

In typical use the lateral force on the 210 container walls could be 77.1 metric tons (170,000 pounds) at a pressure of approximately 44.1 kilopascals (6.4 pounds per square inch). The maximum lateral force could be increased by the weight of the filling from roof compartments over compartment 101, and the material, wall thickness and supports should be chosen to support load.

It should be understood that the actual load and pressures experienced by different parts of the compartments they could vary by a factor of 10 or more in any direction from any of the calculated charges present here. Between other things, these exemplary charges can be expected to depend on The density of the filling material. In addition, the walls and / or Associated brackets can be designed to resist several times the expected load for any particular application.

In addition, the access ports can be placed at appropriate intervals along the walls of the container 210 to allow a pump or other mechanism to proper filling fill and empty the container of the material protection. Alternatively, the filling part 210 may be filled and emptied through its upper and lower part open.

The compartment 101 is constructed to include the central zone 218 where additional protection can be added, such as a lead plate. Zone 218 may have, for example, 2.4 meters (eight feet) wide by 2.9 meters (9.5 feet) high and 0.18 meters (seven inches) thick and is located near the  center of compartment 101 or anywhere where they could relatively higher radiological levels are expected (for example, depending on the orientation and use of the medical device in chamber 50). A variety of protective materials can be used for this purpose and can be a passive part or structural compartment. The rigid side supports that  extend diagonally 219 are provided to accommodate any additional weight of the additional protection material.

The roof protection compartments will be placed above compartment 101 perpendicular to the Site compartments and protective material fillings radiological The weight of protective stuffed compartments of the roof could be as high as 113.4 metric tons (250,000 pounds) each, and can be substantially supported the entire load through compartment 101 and compartment 105. The compartment 101 includes ceiling brackets 120 as a part of the wall to support half the weight of the four roof protection compartments and transfer the weight to the base below. As mentioned above, most of the part 210, as similar filling areas of the others Site compartments, has an open top for allow fluid communication with the compartments of the ceiling.

Returning now to Fig. 6 and with reference continued to Figs. 3 and 4, compartment 102 is adjacent to compartment 101. Compartment 102 also has different areas within it. Zone 220 is 2.4 meters wide (eight feet) by 1.8 meters (six feet) deep and height Full compartment. It is located at the back of the compartment and forms a part of barrier 70. When it is filled of radiation protection material the weight of the filling in the part 220 could be 20.0 metric tons (44,000 pounds) with approximately 44.1 kilopascals (6.4 pounds per square inch) of weight. Area 220 does not contain a floor or ceiling so that the protective material can be substantially continuous to the base and to the roof barrier. Lateral force on the walls lateral could be 15.4 metric tons (34,000 pounds), and the maximum lateral force could be increased by the weight of the padding from roof protection compartments About this compartment. The material, thickness and supports of the wall  they should be chosen to support these exemplary loads or the Charge for any particular application.

Area 221 contains an armored door 130. Door 130 is 1.5 meters (five feet) wide by 2.3 meters high (seven and a half feet). The door is a door of hollow steel with a thickness of 0.20 meters (eight inches). The part Door hollow can be filled with 0.10 (four inches) of lead, and 0.097 meters (3.8 inches) of bored polyethylene. Is provided that the weight of the door with its frame and wall protection Additional adjacent to the frame will be approximately 4.5 tons Metric (10,000 pounds).

Gate 130 is located between the areas 221a and 221b which, like area 220, are adapted to receive the radiological filling material. Door 130 separates the chamber from control 60, or patient area 65 (of which area 222 is a part) of the treatment chamber 50 allowing access back and forth. Area 222 also includes a door standard exterior conforming to local building codes to allow access to the patient area 65.

Parts 223 and 222 are suitable for interior finish of floors, walls and ceiling to turn it into A patient area. They may also have supply for a quick connection to electricity, to illuminate and operate the door armored 130.

Compartment 102 also includes a door lock mechanism to be used as protection additional against radiological leak in case there is no Labyrinth protection walls (as usually provided in the entrance to radiation chambers) or when the labyrinth is not enough to properly block the radiological leak. He mechanism includes a lifting mechanism coupled to a threshold retractable 132 that emerges to be adjacent to door 130 after the closing of the armored door 130, blocking Effectively radiological leakage. Threshold 132 retracts, returning to its position after opening the door. The mechanism of lifting can include a pair of 134,136 hydraulic cylinders (see Figs. 14 and 14A) of the type known as pancake cylinders. A drive gear or lever assembly according to the force of The closing door could also be used. The mechanism of lift (cylinders 134, 136) is electronically activated or hydraulically by a switch that detects if the door is open or closed, for example, by supplying a pair of cooperating magnetic sensors mounted on the door and lock of the door respectively. Preferably threshold 132 is electronically interlocked with a pair of door switches and / or with the radiation machine 600 so that the machine 600 is in use when door 130 or threshold 132 is in position to allow radiological leakage from the camera.

The door lock is normally hidden and at ground level so as not to be a risk for people who walk through it. When the armored door 130 is close, cylinders 134, 136 raise the threshold above the part bottom of the door to block the radiological leak under the door. In case of any emergency, the mechanism of appearance of the door lock can work in conjunction with the door armored and / or be manually operated. For example, blocking the door may require electric power to stay in the elevated position so that in case of a lack of energy, the Threshold 132 automatically retracts under its own weight. He Door lock is an improvement for any therapy center radiological, since most centers do not use No type of seal under an armored door. Blocking The door is not limited to the use of the modular system and can be rebuilt on any type of door as they would think of those skilled in the art when confronted with this description.

The compartment 103 is located between the compartment 102 and compartment 104. It has to be built as a transport container with an external dimension that is equal to 2.4 by 12.2 meters (eight by forty feet) high extended (2.9 meters / 9'6``). When it is finished, it can be of according to DOT regulations and codes and be able to be elevated from the extreme points by a container ship.

As illustrated in Fig. 7, the compartment 103 is divided into four sections. Sections 302 and 306 are landfill areas that do not contain a roof or floor and are open to the filling areas of adjacent compartments. The lateral force on the side walls could be 15.4 metric tons (34,000 pounds), where maximum lateral force could be increased by the weight of the filling from the roof protection compartments on this compartment. He material, thickness and wall brackets should be chosen for hold this exemplary load or the dictated load for any particular application Access ports can be placed at appropriate intervals to allow a vacuum pump to fill and empty the protective material container.

Additional protection panels 303 and 305 they are added between areas 302 and 304 and between areas 304 and 306. Steel can be used for this purpose, and it can be a part passive or a structural part of the compartment.

There is no side wall over areas 304 and 308 adjacent to compartments 102 or 104. The compartment 103 is capable of being connected to compartments 102 and 104 with a waterproof seal and has provisions for anchor it to the base according to the standard building codes For a mobile construction. Areas 304 and 308 are suitable for the interior finish of the floors, walls and ceiling to convert them in a patient area.

The compartment 103 is adapted to hold a medical treatment device, such as one containing a source of therapeutic radiation. There are several equipment manufacturers of this type, and the design of the structure and compartment 103 they will be in particular as universal as economically possible to allow the incorporation of so many brands and models of the treatment device as possible. In general, the machine type weighs 8.2 metric tons (18,000 pounds) and is fastened with bolts to a base plate such as a 310 base plate. bolts that hold the machine are at one end of the machine and the mass of the weight is in the other about 3.05 meters (ten feet) towards ahead of the bolts producing a significant torque. A Steel base frame is incorporated into the steel frame of the compartment 103 to accommodate this turn. The frame is sufficiently rigid so that despite any folding or twisting during transit, when the frame of compartment 103 is placed on a precision level base, the machine will be placed at the level of the manufacturer's specifications. Another team Electrical including a control console, modulator stand, power transformers, and power filters can also be placed inside compartment 103. The ducts of the Wiring are built in the frame for equipment service electric.

The compartment 104 is substantially a mirror image of compartment 102 with minor exceptions. Compartment 104 fits between compartments 103 and 105, and not It includes a armored door. In addition, while part 222 of the compartment 102 included an exterior door, the equivalent part of compartment 104 may include other amenities such as plumbing or sink.

The compartment 105 is substantially a mirror image of compartment 101 although it is contemplated that the part equivalent to part 212 of compartment 101 will be adapted for a different purpose, such as storage, toilets, etc.

With reference to Figs. 8 and 8B, the compartment 106 is one of four protective containers of the roof to be placed on top and perpendicular to the compartments of site 101 through 105. Each of the roof protection containers can be built with a external dimension equal to a standard transport container. The compartment 106 is placed on the back of the unit modular. The bottom of compartment 106 is attached to the upper part of the compartments of site 101 through 105. The side of compartment 106 that is next to compartment 107 It does not have a wall, but includes a rigid central support between the upper and lower frame segment. When it's finished, you can comply with DOT standards and codes, and is capable of being elevated from the end points by a container ship. It can also be capable of being stacked up to a height of five containers the other containers having a gross weight of 43.5 tons metrics (96,000 pounds) each and being able to be transported with a gross weight of 43.5 metric tons (96,000 pounds). The transport weight of the compartment with protection additional and roof support structures but without the Radiation protection filler material are preferably in accordance with the DOT navigation regulation to move by Truck without special permission.

As is the case for all compartments from the ceiling, there is no floor in compartment 106 in the area on compartment 101 and compartment 105 and on protective containers in compartments 102, 103 and 104 although there is a steel floor on the parts of the chamber of treatment of the compartments of the site. In addition, there is a limit or roof covering the entire compartment 106 (as is also the case of all roof compartments): when filled with Radiation protection barrier material the total weight of the stuffing could be 110.3 metric tons (243,200 pounds) with approximately 36.5 kilopascals (5.3 pounds per square inch) of weight both in the protection in the lower compartments as on the ground in the existing areas of this compartment. The lateral force on the side walls could be 52.4 metric tons (115,520 pounds). The lateral force could be of approximately 36.5 kilopascals (5.3 pounds per inch square) occurring near the bottom of the compartment. The material, thickness and supports of the wall should be chosen to hold this exemplary load or any particular load Depending on the application. The access ports can be placed at appropriate intervals to allow a pump to empty fill and empty the protective material container.

In particular, access ports 325 can be provided along the roof as a series of holes distanced from each other with normally closed dock loaded covering tabs through which it can be provided selectively access to the interior space of the compartments of the ceiling.

The compartment 106 is supported by the four-wheel brackets 120 in compartments 101 and 105. It is Built to extend compartments 102, 103 and 104 without curving or locate any excessive tension on these three compartments, and includes a pair of beams in L 320, 321 to distribute the load on the steel floor to the supports 120.

Compartment 107 is another of the four roof protection containers to be placed on top of and perpendicular to the compartments of site 101 through 105. It is placed in front of and adjacent to compartment 106 in the part rear of the modular unit. The bottom of the compartment 107 is fixed to the top of the compartments of site 101 through 105. The side of compartment 107 that is fixed to the compartment 108 also does not have a wall, which helps to minimize spaces and / or radiological leaks through the ceiling. The compartment 107 is fixed to the five compartments of the site and to the compartment 106 and 108. There will be no floor in compartment 107 in the area above compartment 101 and compartment 105. When filled with radiation protection material the total weight of the filling could be 110.3 metric tons (243,200 pounds) with approximately 36.5 kilopascals (5.3 pounds per square inch) of weight while protecting the lower compartments as on the ground of the existing areas in this compartment. The lateral force on the side walls could be approximately 52.4 metric tons (115,520 pounds). He material, thickness and wall brackets should be chosen for hold this exemplary load or the particular load as is determined by the request. Access ports are placed at appropriate intervals to allow a vacuum pump to fill and empty the protective material container.

The compartment 107 is supported by the support 120 in compartments 101 and 105. It has to be built to extend compartments 102, 103 and 104 without curving or exercising no excessive tension on these three compartments, and includes four L-beams to extend compartments 102 through 104 and distribute the load to the supports 120.

Compartment 108 is one of four roof protection compartments that have to be placed above and perpendicular to the compartments of site 101 through of 105. It is placed in front of and adjacent to compartment 107 near the center of the modular unit. The bottom of the compartment 108 is fixed to the top of the compartments from reception area 101 through 105. One side of the compartment 108 will be fixed to compartment 107 and the other side will will fix to compartment 109. There is no floor in the compartment 108 in the area above compartment 101 and the compartment 105. When filled with protective material radiological total fill weight could be 110.3 tons metrics (243,200 pounds) with approximately 36.5 kilopascals (5.3 pounds per square inch) of weight over both the barrier in the lower and ground compartments in existing areas of this compartment. The lateral force on the side walls it could be 52.4 metric tons (115,520 pounds). How has it mentioned above with respect to the other compartments, the material, thickness and wall supports should be chosen to hold this exemplary load. Access ports can also be placed at appropriate intervals to allow a vacuum pump fill and empty the material container protection.

The compartment 108 is supported by the brackets 120 in compartments 101 and 105. It is built to extend compartments 102, 103 and 104 without curving or exercising no tension on these three compartments, and includes four L beams to extend compartments 102 through 104 and distribute the load to the supports 120.

With reference to Figs. 9 and 9A, the compartment 109 is one of four protective containers of the roof to be placed on top and perpendicular to the Zone 101 compartments through 105. It will be placed in front of and adjacent to compartment 108 near the center of the unity. The bottom 505 of the compartment 109 will be fixed to the upper part of the compartments of reception areas 101 a through 105. There is no floor in compartment 109 in the area on compartment 101 and compartment 105 and on protective containers in compartments 102,103 and 104. When they are filled with radiation protection material the weight Total landfill could be 110.3 metric tons (243.200 pounds) with approximately 36.5 kilopascals (5.3 pounds per square inch) of weight over both the protection in the lower and above ground compartments in existing areas of this compartment. The lateral force on the side walls it could be 52.4 metric tons (115,520 pounds). How has it described above with respect to the other compartments, the material, thickness and wall brackets should be chosen for Hold this exemplary load. Access ports can also be placed at appropriate intervals to allow a pump vacuum fill and empty the material container protection.

The compartment 109 is supported by the brackets 120 in compartments 101 and 105. It has to be Built to extend compartments 102, 103 and 104 without bend or exert undue strain on these three compartments, and includes beams in L 520, 521 to extend the compartments 102 through 104 and distribute the load to the supports 120.

The compartment 110 is a utility area that It will be one of the five roof compartments. The compartment 110 will be placed on top of and perpendicular to the compartments 101 through 105. Compartment 110 will have different cameras built in it. These cameras will be for utility areas and will be constructed to agree with the codes of construction for electricity, telephone, plumbing and others utilities as required.

It is envisioned that compartment 110 could also be supported by supports placed in the compartments 101 and 105. However, it is expected that since the compartment 110 would not contain the radiological filler material, the load of the compartment 110 would be substantially less than the load of any of compartments 106 through 109 and so it can be  supported in any conventional way.

In a variation of the modular structure the Medical device can be removed and replaced after The structure is completed in a simple and effective way. This variation implies modifications for compartments 103 and 109 so that the part of compartment 103 containing the medical device and any associated control system can be  removed and replaced while the rest of the structure and the most of the radiological filler material remain in its site.

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References cited in the description This list of references cited by the applicant was collected exclusively for reader information and does not form part of the European patent document. It has been made with the greatest diligence; the EPO however does not assume any responsibility for possible errors or omissions Patent documents cited in the description

US 5727353 A [0004]

US 5735639 A [0004]

Claims (40)

1. A modular structure (40) for accommodation of a radiation source comprising: a plurality of modules loose transportable connected to form an area of central treatment (50) and a surrounding barrier (70) substantially the central treatment area (50), the area being central treatment (50) adapted for use by humans and to contain a source of therapeutic radiation, comprising the modules each a support frame structure (90) and at minus a rigid reinforced wall mounted on it, including the barrier (70) first and second rigid walls spaced some of others and a quantity of protective filler material radiological content between the first and second walls, enough the amount of filler material to reduce substantially the level of measurable radiation outside the area of central treatment when a radiation source is located in The central treatment area. 2. Modular structure (40) according to the claim 1 wherein at least two of the plurality of modules each includes parts of said first and second walls rigid distanced from each other, the parts defining a channel comprising a part of the barrier (70). 3. Modular structure (40) according to the claim 2 wherein the channels in the at least two modules They are adjacent and substantially aligned. 4. Modular structure (40) according to the claim 3 wherein adjacent channels are in communication fluid so that the protective filler material Radiological provided in a channel can flow to the adjacent channel. 5. Modular structure (40) according to any of The preceding claims further comprising: a second plurality of transportable modules loose (106-110) connected to form a roof over the central treatment area.

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6. Modular structure (40) according to the claim 5 where: the roof includes a roof barrier over the central treatment area, the roof barrier comprising a rigid floor that supports a quantity of filling material of Radiation protection over the central treatment area.

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7. Modular structure (40) according to the claim 6 wherein: the second plurality of modules includes parts on the barrier formed by the first plurality of modules, including the parts on the barrier a quantity of Radiation protection filler material and comprising a part of the roof barrier. 8. Modular structure (40) according to the claim 7 wherein: the parts of the second plurality of modules on the barrier formed by the first plurality of modules are in fluid communication with the barrier so that the Radiation protection filler material provided in the Roof barrier can flow into the barrier. 9. Modular structure (40) according to any of claims 6 to 8 wherein: the weight of the second plurality of modules and the roof barrier is supported substantially by a part of the barrier (70).

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10. Modular structure (40) according to any of the preceding claims where: the parts of the plurality of modules define an area outside the central treatment area (50) and the barrier (70), adapted the outside area to form adequate spaces for use by humans.

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11. Modular structure (40) according to the claim 10 wherein: the outer area comprises at least one wall and a floor.

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12. Modular structure (40) according to any of claims 5 to 11 wherein: the first and second plurality of modules they each have a length that does not exceed approximately 16.2 meters (53 feet), a width not exceeding approximately 4.3 meters (14 feet), and a height not exceeding approximately 4.1 meters (13 feet 6 inches).

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13. Modular structure (40) according to the claim 12 wherein: each of the modules has a major axis defined along its length and the major axes of the first plurality of modules are substantially parallel to each other and the major axes of the second plurality of modules are substantially parallel to each other.

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14. Modular structure (40) according to the claim 13 wherein: the major axes of the second plurality of modules are substantially perpendicular to the major axes of The first plurality of modules.

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15. Modular structure (40) according to any of the preceding claims where: the plurality of modules is coupled to a base and the barrier (70) adjoins the base. 16. Modular structure (40) according to any of the preceding claims wherein: the plurality of modules It comprises at least 3 modules. 17. Modular structure (40) according to any of the preceding claims where: the treatment area central (50) comprises a part of at least one module and at least a module comprises a steel base frame to support a medical treatment device 18. Modular structure (40) according to any of the preceding claims wherein: at least one module comprises a door that provides access to the treatment area central (50), the door comprising protective material radiological 19. Modular structure (40) according to any of the preceding claims comprising: panels of radiation protection between at least two of the modules, the radiation protection panels comprising a part of the barrier (70). 20. Method for constructing a modular structure (40) for housing a radiation source comprising
from: the formation of a central treatment area (50) sized and configured for human use and for contain a source of therapeutic radiation, the connection of a plurality of loose transportable modules to form a zone of barrier that substantially surrounds the central treatment area (50), defined the barrier zone by at least the first and second rigid walls spaced apart from each other comprising parts of the plurality of modules, delivery of a quantity of Radiation protection material to the barrier zone to form a barrier (70) substantially surrounding the treatment area central (50), the amount of filler material being sufficient to substantially reduce the level of measurable radiation in the outside the central treatment area (50) when a source of Radiation is placed in the central treatment area (50).

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21. Method according to claim 20 that It also includes: place parts of at least two of the plurality of modules that form the barrier zone in fluid communication of so that the radiation protection filler material can Flow between the parties.

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22. Method according to claim 20 or 21 which It also includes: the connection of a second plurality of modules transportable loose with the first plurality to form a roof barrier area over the central treatment area, Y delivering a quantity of material from Radiation protection padding to the roof barrier area to form a roof barrier over the treatment area central, sufficient amount of filler material to reduce substantially the measurable level of radiation outside the area of central treatment when a radiation source is placed in the central treatment area (50).

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23. Method according to claim 22 that It also includes: place a part of the roof barrier on fluid communication with the barrier so that the material of Radiation protection padding provided on the roof barrier It can flow to the barrier.

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24. Method according to any of the claims 20 to 23 further comprising: the supply of the first plurality of modules each with a length that does not exceed approximately 16.2 meters (53 feet), a width that does not exceed approximately 4.3 meters (14 feet), and a height that does not exceed approximately 4.1 meters (13 feet 6 inches).

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25. Method according to any of the claims 20 to 24 further comprising: the formation of a part of the barrier zone with at least one of the plurality of modules that includes parts of the first and second rigid walls distanced from each other that comprise the barrier, and where the walls of at least one module include rigid reinforcing elements on the walls and rigid support elements mounted between the walls.

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26. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 25 wherein at least two of the plurality of modules have a longer side and a shorter side, the method further comprising: connecting the long side of one of the plurality of modules to the side along another of the plurality of modules to form the treatment area
central. 27. Method according to any of the claims 20 to 26 further comprising the support of at least a part of the load of lateral force of the filler radiation of radiation protection on the walls that comprise the area of barrier with rigid support elements generally mounted between  the upper and lower parts of the walls.

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28. Method according to any of claims 20 to 27 where at least one of the plurality of modules includes a radiation protection door that provides access to the area central treatment (50) from an area outside the barrier (70). 29. Method according to any of the claims 20 to 28 wherein: at least one of the plurality of modules includes parts of the first and second rigid walls spaced apart of others comprising the barrier (70), including the walls rigid reinforcement elements and rigid support elements mounted between the walls.

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30. Modular structure (40) according to any of claims 1 to 19, wherein at least one of the modules It comprises a part of the central treatment area (50) and includes a support frame to hold a piece of radiation equipment in the central treatment area (50). 31. Structure according to any of claims 1 to 19, or 30 wherein: at least one module comprising the framework of support comprises at least a first section that includes the frame of support and a second section detachably coupled to the first section, where the first section can be removed from the second section to allow the radiation equipment to be removed from the treatment area, including the first and second sections a part of the barrier zone, and where the second section includes a wall between the first section and a part of the barrier zone in the second section to contain the protective filler material radiological barrier while the first section is being removed.

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32. Structure according to any of the claims 1 to 19, or 30 to 31, further comprising a second plurality of modules over the first plurality for form a roof barrier zone, including at least one of the second plurality of modules on the barrier zone of the first section that includes a floor element to hold the material Radiation protection padding in the barrier zone of the roof when the first section is being removed. 33. Modular structure (40) according to any of claims 1 to 19, or 30 to 32, wherein the plurality of modules It is each elongated horizontally. 34. Modular structure (40) according to any of claims 1 to 19, or 30 to 33, further comprising the medical equipment within the treatment area, where the equipment doctor is adapted to therapeutically treat a patient with radiation and the barrier (70) is effective to substantially reduce the level of measurable radiation outside the area of central treatment (50) when the patient is being therapeutically treated with radiation within the area of treatment. 35. Modular structure (40) according to the claim 34 wherein the medical equipment is installed in a part of one of the modules that is detachable separately from the area of treatment to allow the removal and replacement of the equipment doctor without substantial alteration of the part of the barrier (70) that it is distanced from the detachable part separately from the module. 36. Modular structure (40) according to any of claims 1 to 19, or 30 to 35 wherein the filler material of Radiation protection surrounds a substantial part of the area of central treatment as a continuous filling between the first and the second walls distanced from each other. 37. Modular structure (40) according to any of claims 1 to 19, or 30 to 36 further comprising: a barrier of protective material radiological substantially surrounding the treatment area; and the medical equipment in the central treatment area (50) adapted to Therapeutically treat a patient with radiation where the barrier (70) is effective to substantially reduce the radiation level Measurable outside the central treatment area (50) when the patient is being treated therapeutically with the radiation within the treatment area; where the medical equipment is installed on a part of one of the modules that is detachable separately from the treatment area to allow removal and replacement of medical equipment without substantial alteration of the barrier part (70) that is distanced from the part of the detachable module separately.

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38. Modular structure (40) according to any of claims 1 to 19, or 30 to 37 further comprising: a door radiation protection that allows access to the area of central treatment and a retractable threshold of radiological protection adjacent to the door, and a lifting mechanism to raise and lower selectively the threshold.

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39. Modular structure (40) according to any of claims 1 to 19, or 30 to 38, further comprising a second plurality of loose modules of which at least one comprises a reinforced floor part, the second plurality of modules adapted to be placed on top of and connected to the first plurality of modules with reinforced floor parts on top and covering substantially the central treatment area, where each module it has external dimensions that generally define a rectangle solid that has a major axis, and the major axis of the plurality of modules is substantially horizontal when the modules are connected to each other to form a surrounding barrier zone substantially a central treatment area (50). 40. Transportable module (40) according to any of claims 1 to 19, or 30 to 39, wherein the module is capable of be lifted at its ends by a standard container ship without substantial deflection to facilitate the construction of a structure comprising a plurality of modules, and where the Frame structure is elongated horizontally.